Shire Life - Summer 2023

ShireLife Macedon Ranges Shire Council Newsletter

Plan and prepare for fire season Page 3

Issue 47

Summer 2023

Works and projects across the shire Pages 4–6

New nature guide Page 9 Volunteer with us Page 12

From the CEO As we near the end of another year, it’s great to look back on what we have achieved.

We have made positive progress on our repair and maintenance program for roads and footpaths following the floods and storms from previous years. We are still feeling the impacts and have work to do in this area but will continue to make positive inroads into 2024. We have also boosted our communications to let residents know, in a timely way, which projects we are finishing.

We also saw the implementation this year of our Customer Service Charter. Council is committed to providing a high standard of customer service to our community. The charter sets out our service standards and our commitment to provide prompt, friendly, courteous and efficient customer service.

After a hiccup earlier in the year with the building company for the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct going into voluntary administration, we were able to move quickly to appoint a new builder and continue to progress the project with only minor delays.

Finally, if you haven’t already, please get your properties ready for the summer ahead and make sure you have your fire plan in place. There is a handy list of resources and tips on the next page to help you get prepared.

Bernie O’Sullivan

Thank you to the community

ShireLife

Council offices will be closed from 3pm on Friday 22 December 2023 and will reopen on Tuesday 2 January 2024.

Bin collection

If your normal bin collection day is Monday (Christmas Day – 25 December), your bin will be collected on Tuesday 26 December.

If your normal bin collection day falls between Tuesday 26 December and Friday 29 December, please put your bin out as usual and leave it out until collected (this will likely be delayed by one day including a Saturday collection).

Collections will not be affected on all other public holidays and will resume as normal from Monday 1 January 2024.

For service problems with waste, recycling and green bins during this time, call our after hours 5422 0333. service on

Resource recovery facilities

Kyneton, Romsey and Woodend resource recovery facilities (transfer stations) will be closed: • from 1pm on Christmas Eve, Sunday 24 December • Christmas Day, Monday 25 December • New Year’s Day, Monday 1 January • Total Fire Ban days For locations and opening hours, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/RRF

Council wishes to thank those who took the time to give feedback on the draft Romsey Structure Plan and draft Gisborne Futures Structure Plan.

Consultation for both has now closed.

Please keep an eye on the website for updates: mrsc.vic.gov.au

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Services over Christmas/ New Year

Aquatics and fitness centres To view opening times refer to mrsc.vic.gov.au/leisure

Report an issue For urgent issues during this time, call 5422 0333 (available 24/7).

Welcome / Fire preparedness

Fire preparedness Preparing and maintaining your property

Prepare and know your plan

Changes to burning off under new local law

mrsc.vic.gov.au/fire-ready or For information visit cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare

Property preparations ahead of the fire season should include slashing grass, removing fine fuels, rubbish or materials likely to cause, maintain or promote a fire, storing flammable liquids and materials away from the house, cleaning gutters and removing noxious weeds.

Under the new local law, burning in the open air is prohibited on land 2,000 square metres or less, and a permit from Council’s Fire Prevention Officer is required for burning off on land more than 2,000 square metres and equal to or less than 4,000 square metres.

If burning off, landowners or residents should note changes to the new local law, monitor weather conditions, and register their burn by calling 1800 668 511.

Residents can also use the free green waste drop-off service at Council’s resource recovery facilities, FOGO (Food Organics Garden Organics) bins and other recycling/ repurposing methods to dispose of green waste.

For information, visit

Leaving early is your safest option to survive a bushfire. It is important to have a Bushfire Survival Plan that includes what you and your family will do on a fire risk day. This should include all pets, horses and livestock. It is important to practice your plan before the fire season.

Staying informed during an emergency

During summer, make it your habit to check your Fire Danger Rating each day, know if it is a Total Fire Ban day, and check for any warnings. The VicEmergency app contains up-to-date information, warnings, and the locations of current fires.

During an emergency, you can find out information via: • •

- TTY users call 1800 555 677 then ask for 1800 226 226.

During the Fire Danger Period

No burning off is permitted during the Fire Danger Period without a Permit to Burn, which can be applied for through Fire Permits Victoria.

Visit firepermits.vic.gov.au

Neighbourhood Safer Places

VicEmergency Hotline: - call 1800 226 226 (free call) If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech impairment, you can call the hotline through the National Relay Service:

mrsc.vic.gov.au/waste

The Fire Danger Period is declared by the CFA. Dates vary from year-to-year, depending on cfa.vic.gov.au/warningsconditions. Visit restrictions/fire-danger-period-restrictions for more information.

ABC Local Radio, commercial and designated community radio stations and Sky News TV.

- Speak and Listen users phone 1800 555 727 then ask for 1800 226 226 - Internet relay users connect to the NRS then ask for 1800 226 226 • For non-English speakers, the Translating and Interpreting Service (131 450) can provide translated information from the VicEmergency Hotline.

•

VicEmergency website: emergency.vic.gov.au or download the VicEmergency app.

Follow VicEmergency on Facebook and X (Twitter) • EMERGENCY ALERT is a system used to send messages to landlines and mobiles during an emergency. If your phone displays the number ‘+61 444 444 444’ it is genuine. Do not block this number. emergencyalert.gov.au For details visit

A Neighbourhood Safer Place—Place of Last Resort is somewhere you can go when all of your other bushfire survival plans have failed.

To find your nearest one, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/Neighbourhood-Safer-Places For tips and information on staying safe during an mrsc.vic.gov.au/Fire-Heat emergency visit

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Works across the shire Brooke Street, Woodend

Works were recently completed on an upgrade to a key section of Brooke Street in Woodend, to improve safety and connectivity for drivers and pedestrians.

Works included the reconstruction of Brooke Street from Templeton Street to Wood Street, a raised safety platform at the intersection of Brooke Street and Templeton Street, and a raised central island at the crest of Brooke Street (east of Templeton Street).

Powerline clearance

Council has commenced its annual powerline street tree pruning program on nature strips and various Council-owned properties in Kyneton and Gisborne to ensure all street trees in the area are not at risk of coming into contact with powerlines.

As part of the program, arborists inspect street trees and powerlines to ensure public safety and prevent electricity supply interruptions caused by overhanging vegetation near powerlines. The program is also an important part of Council’s fire prevention works.

Council is responsible for electric line clearance (ELC) in the ‘Declared Areas’ of Gisborne and Kyneton.

Powercor is responsible for ELC in the shire’s remaining ‘Non-Declared Areas’, except in Gisborne South, where Jemena is responsible.

Council’s program is due to be completed in December, weather permitting. For information, view Council’s Electric Line Clearance Management Plan at mrsc.vic.gov.au/ELCMP

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ShireLife

Lancefield footpath works

Council completed footpath works along the north side of the High Street service road in Lancefield in July this year, improving connectivity for residents and visitors.

At 1.5m wide and 285m long, this new footpath completed a high-priority missing link within the town’s footpath network between Lancefield Primary School and the town centre, as identified in Council’s Shirewide Footpath Plan.

Riddells Creek Movement Network Study

The Riddells Creek Movement Network Study continues to progress, to help identify and prioritise key transport upgrades for the growing town into the future.

In 2023/24, stage two of the study will continue with planned traffic surveys and another round of community consultation in the first quarter of 2024, which will seek feedback on key project priorities with a draft implementation plan.

Works across the shire

Road upgrades, Riddells Creek Council completed road upgrades at Hamilton Street and Fitzgerald Street in Riddells Creek, providing a better experience for drivers and pedestrians accessing Riddells Creek Station.

The works, which were completed at the same time as train station car parking upgrades (delivered by VicTrack) and sewer upgrade works (delivered by Greater Western Water), included: • full pavement reconstruction from Stephen Street to Sutherlands Road • a new 2m-wide concrete footpath from Stephen Street to Sutherlands Road, on the south side of Hamilton Street and east side of Fitzgerald Street • new kerb and channel, and drainage improvements.

These works were funded through Phase 3 of the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, with Council also receiving contributions from VicTrack and Great Western Water.

Ross Street bridge, Malmsbury Works are currently underway on the bridge in Malmsbury and are due for completion prior to Christmas (weather permitting).

Council approved funding for the Ross Street bridge reinstatement in its 2023/2024 Budget.

The current detour route via Racecourse Road and Baldry Road is inspected every month, with maintenance works undertaken as required and in accordance with Council’s Road Management Plan.

Intersection upgrades, Darraweit Guim

As part of the 2023/24 Budget, Council has provided funding for road safety improvements at the intersection of Darraweit Valley Road and BolindaDarraweit Road.

The works will provide a safer crossing near the primary school for pedestrians, and include linemarking and drainage improvements.

The works are expected to start in early 2024.

Romsey pram crossing upgrades Council completed a series of pram crossing upgrades across Romsey in September, providing safer and compliant crossing points for residents and visitors.

Each location was prioritised based on pedestrian traffic, proximity to shopping, retail and other public facilities, and requests received from the public.

• Intersection of Robb Drive and Harvest Close • Intersection of Murphy Street and Main Street service road • Intersection of Shaw Drive and Muir Court • Intersection of Barry Street and Wrixon Street • Romsey Recreation Centre, Park Lane • White Avenue, east of Main Street service road • Intersection of Main Street and Garden Place

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Project updates

Shared Trail

Regional Sports Precinct

Significant progress has been made on Stage 1 of the 15-hectare Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct in New Gisborne, with the project anticipated to be delivered ahead of schedule. Construction and commissioning of the stadium site consisting of three multi-use indoor courts is expected to be finalised in the first quarter of 2024 with the fields site consisting of a natural turf oval, two outdoor sports courts, pavilion and passive recreation faciltiies to be completed by May 2024.

Detailed design and documentation for the second stage of the project is planned to commence this financial year.

This includes another sports hub with three multi-use indoor courts and four gender-neutral change rooms, another natural turf oval, two outdoor sports courts, additional car parking and landscaping.

Council is continuing to advocate for the additional funding required to deliver the rest of the project identified in the master plan, which would provide additional and significantly improved facilities.

For information and updates visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/MRRSP

Gisborne Fields

Council is continuing to develop land located in the Gisborne Fields Estate into a park.

Detailed design and documentation for the first stages of the Gisborne Fields Landscape Plan are now complete with upgrades including the installation of playground equipment, development of pathways, and a new picnic shelter with supporting facilities such as a BBQ, picnic tables, bike rails and a drinking fountain.

Further stages funded by Council will include improved grass surfaces, tree planting, park furniture, perimeter bollards, low level vegetation plantings and the expansion of the existing play space. This work is expected to be undertaken during the 2023/24 financial year.

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ShireLife

Further progress has been made on the 24-kilometre Woodend to Riddells Creek Shared Trail Project for walking, running, low-volume cycling, and commuting, spanning from Woodend in the north to Riddells Creek in the south.

Throughout 2022/23, significant work progressed on the designs, particularly for stages 1B (Woodend Station to Macedon Regional Park boundary at Bawden Road), 2A, 2B and 2C (Macedon Regional Park boundary at Bawden Road to rail crossing bridge on Kilmore Road near Markham Road).

The Stage 1 detailed design is approved and the Stage 2 detailed design is nearing completion. Cultural Heritage Management Plans and a Land Use Activity Agreement have been completed.

Final decisions have also been made on the alignment of Stage 3 (Riddells Creek section) and engagement of the required specialist consultants has been undertaken to inform the final design plans.

Completion of stages one and two are targeted for the end of June 2024. Funding for this project comprises $8.75m from the Victorian Government and $2.5m from Council.

Kyneton Showgrounds

New netball and little athletics facilities have been funded for development following Council’s adoption of the Kyneton Showgrounds Master Plan in March 2023.

In line with master plan recommendations, upgrades will include two new netball courts with court lighting and supporting infrastructure, female friendly change rooms with home and away team amenities, an umpires room, first aid room, administration and storage space as well as an undercover player and spectator area. Design of the netball facilities is underway, with construction of the change facilities expected to commence in 2023/24 and the netball courts to be delivered in 2024/25.

Under the master plan, the little athletics facilities will be relocated from the top oval to the bottom oval during 2023/24, where permanent athletics facilities such as long jump pits, throwing cages, and a larger storage facility will be installed. The project has received $1.5 million from the Victorian Government towards the works.

Project updates | What’s on | Business awards

Nominations What’s on at Kyneton Town Hall open!

Business Excellence Awards 2024

After taking break in 2023 for the inaugural Telstra Community Choice Awards, the biennial Josh’s Rainbow Eggs Macedon Ranges Business Excellence Awards is back for 2024.

Ross Wilson & The Peaceniks

The awards recognise and acknowledge deserving businesses for their outstanding service, innovation, products and professionalism.

Ross Wilson is hitting the road with his all-star band The Peaceniks to celebrate over 50 Years of Hits including all the Daddy Cool and Mondo Rock favourites and more.

Award categories include: • Champion of Social, Environmental or Sustainability Principles • Business Resilience and Adaptability • Excellence in Agribusiness and Food Manufacturing • Excellence in Health, Wellness and Care • Excellence in Manufacturing, Trade, Retail and Innovation • Excellence in Professional Services • Excellence in Tourism and Visitor Experience • Small and Thriving • Young Achiever Nominations will close on 15 March 2024. Winners will be announced at a gala dinner on 30 August 2024.

To nominate your business and/or staff for an award, mrsc.vic.gov.au/business-awards visit

Sunday 11 February, 4pm

With 26 ARIA Top 40 hits to his credit as a singer, songwriter and producer, Ross Wilson is one of Australia’s most awarded, respected and wellknown artists!

From the legendary band Daddy Cool whose number one anthem ‘Eagle Rock’ and debut album ‘Daddy Who?’ smashed sales records in Australia in 1971, to the 1977 formation of Mondo Rock, delivering 80’s hits ‘Cool World’, ‘State of The Heart’, ‘Chemistry’, ‘No Time’, and ‘Come Said The Boy’, and now into the 21st century as a solo performer, Wilson has never been out of the limelight.

Twice inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame, Wilson’s live performances are legendary.

Buy tickets

mrsc.vic.gov.au/arts-events 1300 888 802 (10am–4pm, weekdays) kthtickets@mrsc.vic.gov.au

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Environment news Annual Environment Report

Council’s Annual Environment Report provides a snapshot of how we are tracking against our Environment Strategy.

Highlights from 2022/23 include:

Climate Action

 Adopted the Counting Down to Zero Net Emissions for Council Operations Plan by 2030.  Installed solar panels and battery capacity to enable Macedon Community Centre and Romsey Recreation Centre to become ‘off-grid’ relief centres.  Engaged community and agencies for the development of Council’s Climate Emergency Plan.  Installed three public electric vehicle charging stations at Macedon, Lancefield and Kyneton; and three Council-use stations at offices in Kyneton, Gisborne and Woodend, supporting the organisation’s transition to an all-EV passenger fleet.

Waste

 Reduced the total amount of kerbside general waste by 7.5 per cent.  Adopted the Single-use Plastics Policy.  Delivered 33 waste education sessions to over 840 participants.

Biodiversity and Water

 Completed the Woodend Five Mile Creek Master Plan.  Hosted 420 participants in environment events and 317 in the Healthy Landscapes program.

Tips for a sustainable summer

If you’re taking some time off over summer, here’s some tips for making your holidays a little kinder on the planet.

Take a ‘stay-cation’

Air travel is the largest emitter of greenhouse gases of all transport methods, and the fastest-growing!

Try a local cycling tour or hike and minimise your holiday emissions. Visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/cycling for local routes and maps.

Take three for the sea

Keep our beaches and oceans clean of waste by simply collecting three pieces of rubbish on your next beach day.

Connect with nature

Remember to slow down, listen, and connect with nature. Try taking a quiet walk alone in one of our beautiful bushland reserves this summer and feel the benefits. mrsc.vic.gov.au/bushland-reserves

 Planted 7,243 native plants at Hanging Rock Reserve and 2,358 across multiple waterway reserves.

To view the full report, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/environment-strategy

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ShireLife

Environment news and events

Environment events Rabbit workshops

The hugely popular rabbit workshops are back in February! Did you know it only takes one year for a male and female rabbit to produce up to 184 rabbits in a good year? Learn more about rabbits and how to manage them on urban and rural property.

‘Get off gas’ summer series

Do you want to say goodbye to gas and start the switch to electrify your home? Our summer living webinar series takes a deeper look into how you can make the switch and get your home EV-ready.

To register for these events or sign-up to our Environment eNews, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/environment-events

New nature guide

Grasses of Central Victoria is an easy reference guide for beginners to use in the farm paddock or bushland to identify common grass species in the Central Victoria region. The guide uses descriptive text and photographs to assist in identifying features of the grass.

You can also explore how to use the guide at one our grass identification field day events: • 29 November – Bendigo • 7 December – Malmsbury • 15 December – Hepburn Shire Residents can obtain a copy from Council’s customer service centres, or online at: mrsc.vic.gov.au/nature-guides

Living with wildlife

Many residents enjoy feeding their backyard wildlife such as friendly Australian King Parrots. But did you know that feeding them may do more harm than good?

When parrots gather at seed dishes, they risk catching beak and feather disease which is infectious and sadly incurable. A better alternative is to provide fresh clean water in a bird bath. This way you can still enjoy the visits from your wild friends and keep them safe from harm.

Council’s website offers lots of tips and information about living with wildlife. Perhaps you have cockatoos nibbling your window frames, possums in the roof or are wondering how to control rats and mice without harming wildlife.

Visit

mrsc.vic.gov.au/living-with-wildlife

Healthy Landscapes

Small property grazing course

Are you a small landholder with 2-20Ha? Jason McAinch, Council’s Private Land Conservation Officer, is running a small property grazing course in early 2024. The course has been designed to assist land managers in improving their skills and knowledge about grazing livestock, resulting in an increase in soil carbon and perennial pasture species, including native species.

For information, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/healthy-landscapes

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New Community Local Law Effective from 25 September 2023

From, permits, to rubbish, to pets – the Community Local Law 2023 covers a wide range of activities that impact our community.

Shaped by extensive community feedback, clauses to a range of matters have been added or updated to better suit the needs of our community and our environment, including changes to burning off restrictions, improved regulations around unsightly and dangerous land, and new clauses for items such as gambling advertisements and the use of fireworks on private land.

A detailed report has been produced to summarise key themes of community feedback received, and how the Community Local Law has responded to this feedback where appropriate.

Council strongly encourages all members of the community to familiarise themselves with the new requirements. mrsc.vic.gov.au/Local-Laws

Textile and polystyrene recycling

Council has expanded its recycling services to include free polystyrene and textile recycling!

Bird-safe collars for cats

Owners who like to let their cats enjoy their garden, should consider how to protect wildlife visiting their garden too. The Macedon Ranges is abundant with beautiful bird species, and cats (even domestic pets) often hunt and kill birds.

A simple solution to this problem can be found in bird-safe cat collars, which are colourful collars safely designed to fall off under pressure, but successful in scaring away birds. Birds are able to see bright colours exceptionally well, due to their unique eye anatomy.

While wearing a bird-safe cat collar, the bird will likely escape before your cat can pounce. The fact your cat looks like a cute little clown is just an added bonus!

You can now recycle clean, white expanded polystyrene for free at our resource recovery facilities as part of a new trial, with the recycled product turned into items such as picture frames, skirting boards, decking and other household products. To be recycled, the polystyrene must be clean and free from dirt, tape, labels and ink.

Council has also partnered with Upcycle4Better to offer residents a sustainable recycling solution for their damaged clothes, shoes, linen and more. The textiles collected are sorted into various categories for reuse, repair, upcycling and recycling. This new service is only for damaged or well-used textiles. Items that are in good condition should still be donated to your nearest op shop to ensure our local economy benefits from good quality materials.

To findout more about how the textiles are recycled www.upcycle4better.com visit For information on Council’s recycling services, mrsc.vic.gov.au/RRF visit

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ShireLife

Local law | Resource Recovery | Aquatics and Fitness

Outdoor pool season

Council’s outdoor pools in Lancefield and Woodend will open from 2 December 2023 to 11 March 2024.

Opening hours are based on Council’s Outdoor Pools Temperature Guidelines and are published on Council’s website from 4.30pm the day prior.

There is also still time to access our summer season pass special with 50 per cent off normal prices – offer ends on 1 December 2023.

Water safety tips for summer Here are our top summer water safety tips:

• Never swim alone – make sure a buddy is with you • Actively supervise children in and around water – never take your eyes off the water • Swim between the flags – only swim at patrolled beaches

For information, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/outdoor-pools

• Wear a life jacket – especially when on boats or other watercraft

Summer workout spaces

• Signal for assistance – put an arm in the air or shout for help

Stay cool while staying fit this summer by visiting one of our indoor workout spaces. You can exercise at our fitness centres without overheating or if you prefer swimming, indoor pools are a refreshing option for pushing out a few laps.

Indoor stadiums are also a great place to exercise to stay out of the sun. Don’t let the hot weather stop you from staying active. Enjoy your workouts in cool indoor spaces and keep your mind and body happy and healthy!

Stadium casual memberships

Did you know, a number of our indoor stadiums offer a casual access membership that can be used for informal sports practice or just to shoot some hoops? A great Christmas gift idea for your sport loving family member or friend.

Memberships are available at Kyneton Toyota Sports & Aquatic Centre, Buffalo Sports Stadium Woodend, Riddells Creek Leisure Centre and Romsey Recreation Centre. Contact your local centre to find out more. Conditions apply.

• Reach to rescue – only enter the water to help someone if there is no other choice

• Always enter the water feet first – especially if water you are not familiar with • Learn CPR – it’s literally a life skill.

Learn water safety skills by attending lessons with trained instructors. Our indoor pools have a range of programs suitable for children from six months of age.

Adult lessons also available.

For information about summer workout spaces, stadium casual memberships, or swimming lessons visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/leisure

Dance into 2024!

We are now taking enrolments for dance classes for 2024 in Woodend and Gisborne.

Tiny Tackers is designed for ages 2-5 years and offers a playful introduction to tap, ballet, and jazz in an imaginative setting.

Studio2MIX brings ballet, tap, and jazz to ages 6-12, providing a structured yet enjoyable program.

Intermediate and Youth classes offer the latest moves and music, ensuring a blast while learning.

5427 3411 or For details and to enrol call email studio2tinytackers@mrsc.vic.gov.au

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Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme Are you an older person and feeling isolated? Or do you know someone who would like companionship?

Older people deserve every opportunity to socially connect, however ageing can impose barriers that impact an individual’s social connections, opening the door to social isolation and experiences of loneliness.

That’s why Council has introduced a new free program for older residents in the Macedon Ranges who are feeling isolated or lonely and would like a volunteer from the local community to visit them, provide some company and help them to remain socially connected.

Previously called the Community Visitor Scheme (CVS), the program has recently expanded to the Macedon Ranges and has been renamed the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS) in response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.

Who is it for?

This service is available for residents who live in government-subsidised residential aged care home (RACH) or live at home and receive - or are waitlisted for - a Home Care Package (HCP).

How does the program work?

Participants are matched with a volunteer who provides friendship and companionship through regular visits depending on availability.

Volunteer with us

Do you feel you might enjoy making a difference to the wellbeing and happiness of an older person in our community? Could you make time for a regular visit to someone in an Aged Care Facility or their own home?

Volunteering is a great way to make a difference in your community. Our volunteers are matched with an older person with whom they have mutual interests for regular social visits. You might both share a love of reading, or just enjoy a good cuppa.

To arrange a visitor for yourself or someone you know, or to become involved as a volunteer visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/ACVVS or call 5422 0333.

Join Village Connect!

Council’s Village Connect program is open to those aged 55 years and older living in the shire.

The program delivers a range of activities such as the free coffee cup events, information sessions, digital education sessions, and the Pathways for Carers walking group. Funded by the Australian Government, more information on Village Connect can be found at mrsc.vic.gov.au/village-connect or by calling 5422 0333.

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Older residents | Youth

Youth update Youth Mental Health First Aid

These courses are designed to help adults living in the Macedon Ranges increase their knowledge about common mental health problems experienced by young people, and to develop skills and confidence to support them to seek help and maintain good mental health. Held over four sessions, the course is delivered using case studies, films and group discussions.

For information, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/Youth-Mental-Health

.

Join the Live4Life Crew!

The Macedon Ranges Live4Life program is currently recruiting young people to its Crew to help promote positive mental health among their peers.

To be a member of the Crew you need to be a student in Year 9 or above and attending a secondary school in the Macedon Ranges, attend regular meetings at the Youth Space in Kyneton, get involved in the presentation of the launch, competitions and celebration events, and participate in leadership training. mrsc.vic.gov.au/live4life or To find out more, visit call our Youth team on 5422 0333.

Holiday Program The Macedon Ranges Youth team will be running a range of safe, supervised and inclusive activities including pool parties, skate comps and more for young people aged 12-25 years over the summer school holidays.

Branching Out: mental health in children

Council is leading a pilot program aimed at supporting the mental health of primary school-aged children.

Co-designed and researched with local primary schools, the Branch Out program takes an evidence-based, preventative whole-school approach in engaging teachers, parents and students in Years 5 and 6 with tailored events and resources.

Through the program, children are taught how to manage and respond effectively to emotions while building resilience through music and theatre, supported by local theatre group Sprout Creative.

Parents and teachers are guided by mental health clinicians from Tuning in to Kids (supported by the Department of Education and University of Melbourne), and are also trained in Youth Mental Health First Aid. The program was recently piloted at Woodend Primary School and Kyneton Primary School, with the aim of scaling-up the program to include additional schools in the Macedon Ranges in the future.

The program is primarily funded by Macedon Ranges Shire Council with one-off funding received via the Victorian Government.

For information visit

mrsc.vic.gov.au/Branch-Out

mrsc.vic.gov.au/YEP or like For information visit Macedon Ranges Youth on Facebook.

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Library update Kyneton StoryWalk®

If you’ve got little ones, you’re probably familiar with the concept of a StoryWalk®. StoryWalks are a fun and educational activity that places a children’s story along a popular walking route in the community. They are a physical activity and a literary experience in one.

Through a partnership between Goldfields Libraries and Healthy Loddon Campaspe, Kyneton is now home to a semi-permanent StoryWalk®. Located on the shared path next to Kyneton Primary School and Kindergarten (between Victoria and Edgecombe streets), the display is set up all year round, with stories regularly changed by library staff.

“The StoryWalk® has been set up for a while now, and we’ve had terrific feedback. Families love it!” says Cathy Heenan, Kyneton Library Manager. “It’s a good way to get some fresh air, enjoy the outdoors and entertain the kids.”

“Being active is good for our bodies, and reading is good for our brains, so combining both is a great allround activity for our health and wellbeing.”

And StoryWalks aren’t just for kids. Although the stories are aimed at children, they are carefully selected to appeal to people of all ages, so everyone can enjoy them.

“Summer is just around the corner, so a new story will be up soon. We don’t want to ruin the fun and tell you what it’ll be – you’ll have to see it yourself. Just don’t forget the sunscreen!”

Goldfields Libraries also host StoryWalks in Castlemaine and Heathcote. All are based on the StoryWalk® project created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. StoryWalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms Ferguson.

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Library update

Libraries school holiday program

Craft sessions, musical performances, movies, and a range of other activities will be on offer throughout the holidays. For information, visit ncgrl.vic.gov.au/holidayprogram or pick up a program at Gisborne, Kyneton, Romsey or Woodend libraries.

Subscribe to eNews

Receive updates on Council projects and services direct to your inbox. Subscribe to one or more of the following enewsletters: Aquatics and Leisure: get the latest on fitness classes, sports programs, swimming and more.

Arts and Culture: find out about festivals, exhibitions, arts events and opportunities.

Business: discover events, support and other opportunities for local business.

Disability and Inclusion: find out about events, opportunities and information for people with a disability, carers and families.

Environment: find out more about local environmental projects and events.

Family: information for local families with children aged up to eight years.

Healthy Landscapes: information and events about sustainable land management and regenerative agriculture.

Over-55s: regular updates about local events and opportunities for over-55s.

ShireLife: seasonal newsletter featuring Council projects, activities, opportunities and more.

5 mrsc.vic.gov.au/newsletters

Find us on social media

Get regular updates about our services, projects, events and activities via our social media channels.

Macedon Ranges Shire Council Gisborne Fitness & Aquatic Centres Kyneton Toyota Sports & Aquatic Centre Macedon Ranges Over 55s Connect Macedon Ranges Arts & Culture Macedon Ranges Naturally Cool Macedon Ranges Youth @MacedonRangesSC @MacedonRangessc and @VisitMacedonRanges @macedon rangesyouthservices Macedon-Ranges-Shire-Council

Rates instalments

Rates and charges can be paid in four instalments by no later than the due date, or as a single payment by 30 September 2023. Instalment reminder notices will be sent prior to each instalment date.

The remaining instalment dates for 2023/24 are: 30 November 2023 28 February 2024 31 May 2024 You can pay your rates via BPay View®, online with mrsc.vic.gov.au/payments, Visa or Mastercard at direct debit, Australia Post, mail, centrepay or in person at a Council customer service centre during opening hours.

If you have any questions about rates payment methods, or if you have difficulty paying your rates on time, call customer service on 5422 0333.

Contact Council 5422 0333 mrsc@mrsc.vic.gov.au mrsc.vic.gov.au PO Box 151, Kyneton VIC 3444

Visit one of our service centres 40 Robertson Street, Gisborne 129 Mollison Street, Kyneton 96−100 Main Street, Romsey Cnr High and Forest streets, Woodend Residents who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment can contact us through the National Relay Service: • TTY users phone 133 677 then ask for 03 5422 0333.

• Speak and Listen (speech-to-speech relay) users phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 03 5422 0333.

• Internet relay users connect to the NRS (see relayservice. com.au for details) and then ask for 03 5422 0333.

• Translating and Interpreting Service: call TIS National on 131 450.

If you or someone you know may benefit from receiving a large print version of this newsletter: 5422 0333 comms@mrsc.vic.gov.au

ShireLife is produced on 100% recycled paper from post consumer waste, and printed by a printer who operates and is certified under the ISO14001 Environmental Management System standards and ISO9001 Quality Management System.

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Cr Annette Death Mobile: 0427 956 117 adeath@mrsc.vic.gov.au

Present this voucher at any of Council’s indoor or outdoor pools to receive free entry. mrsc.vic.gov.au/leisure Valid for one adult or one child until 1 April 2024. Limit one per person.

Cr Geoff Neil Mobile: 0419 244 776 gneil@mrsc.vic.gov.au Cr Bill West Mobile: 0400 025 455 bwest@mrsc.vic.gov.au

South Ward Cr Dominic Bonanno Mobile: 0419 829 867 dbonanno@mrsc.vic.gov.au

Have your say

Have your say on Council projects and decisions and participate in our consultation activities.

For more information: mrsc.vic.gov.au/yoursay 5422 0333

Cr Rob Guthrie Mobile: 0419 309 953 rguthrie@mrsc.vic.gov.au Vacancy following Cr Anne Moore resignation – new Councillor to be confirmed in next edition/on Council’s website.

West Ward

Your neighbourhood Did you know that you can easily search for Council information and initiatives tailored to your home address? Everything from parks and facilities, through to events and projects, as well as your local Councillors and bin dates.

Visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/myneighbourhood to find out more.

Cr Jennifer Anderson Mobile: 0408 273 670 janderson@mrsc.vic.gov.au

Your Councillors

Free pool pass

Cr Janet Pearce Mobile: 0437 282 096 jpearce@mrsc.vic.gov.au Cr Mark Ridgeway Mobile: 0437 938 766 mridgeway@mrsc.vic.gov.au

Macedon Ranges Shire Council acknowledges the Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this land and waterways. Council recognises their living cultures and ongoing connection to Country and pays respect to their Elders past, and present.

Council also acknowledges local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander residents of Macedon Ranges for their ongoing contribution to the diverse culture of our community.